Edward Clysdale Obituary

Obituary

CLYSDALE, Edward Gene "Gene"
Kalamazoo, MI

Gene died Monday, December 19, 2011, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo. He was born Saturday, April 25, 1931, in Owosso, MI, a son of Lawrence and Margaret (Purtill) Clysdale. Gene moved to Kalamazoo in 1948 and has called Kalamazoo home ever since. Gene attended WMU and was a member of Army ROTC. Upon graduation, Gene entered the US Army and served in Korea. He then entered the Army Reserves and retired in 1980 from the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion as a Colonel. Gene also returned to WMU to earn two Master's degrees. He was a teacher and a librarian with the Kalamazoo Public Schools for over 30 years before retiring. On August 11, 1956, Gene was united in marriage with the former Barbara Kremble, who survives. Following marriage, he and Barbara enjoyed several years living in France where both taught military dependents. Gene loved Kalamazoo though and was proud to call this community his home. He was an avid conservationist, birder, gardener, builder, and lover of music and art. He was very involved with the community, including the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Macintosh User Group. He was a modest man and a mentor to many. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jack Clysdale. Surviving are: his wife and two sons, Ned Clysdale and Matthew Clysdale of Kalamazoo; a grandson, Joshua Clysdale; two brothers, Patrick (Marilyn) Clysdale of Grand Rapids (formerly of Kalamazoo) and Bill Clysdale of Seattle, WA; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service with military honors will be held on a future date at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials should be directed to Audubon Society of Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 19333, Kalamazoo, MI 49019; or Ready to Read c/o The Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The Clysdale family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Funeral arrangements were made by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. Read Edward Clysdale's Obituary and Guestbook on www.langelands.com.